Integration
I believe that hiking is for everyone. My goal is to bring people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures into the mountains and create a safe space where they can simply be—where they can breathe, slow down, and find peace. No standard description could ever capture the diversity I see on my tours: different generations, life stories, personalities, and levels of hiking experience all coming together in one shared journey.
Taking the first step to spend several days in the mountains takes courage, especially when joining a group tour on your own. I understand that feeling, I have seen it many times, and I am here to support you through it. At Shanti Treks, I create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that helps people ease into the experience, especially those who are new to hiking or spending time in the mountains. I am particularly committed to encouraging women and non-German speakers to take part. My goal is to break down cultural and language barriers so that everyone feels safe, included, and free to discover the mountains in their own way.
I can relate when someone fears being the slowest in the group. In my early hiking days, I was often the last one, because I like a slow and steady pace. That experience shaped how I lead today. At Shanti Treks, no one gets left behind and there is no such thing as being too slow. I truly believe that a week of hiking becomes a much more enjoyable experience when you walk at a slow and steady rhythm. It allows you to conserve your energy, stay present, and actually enjoy the journey rather than just push through it. Experience has shown me that those who start out fast often burn out early, while those who keep a calm and consistent pace stay strong and often even arrive sooner.
Before each tour, I take the time to understand your hiking experience and make sure the group and route are a good fit. On the trail, I guide the pace in a way that makes everyone feel included and comfortable. I call it the Shanti Pace. It is steady, mindful and respectful of each person's rhythm.
Sustainability
Climate change is real, and its impact on mountain regions is both visible and severe. Some may feel that individual actions do not make a difference, that one person alone cannot change the course of a global crisis. But I believe that many small actions, taken by many people in many places, can reshape the world. And honestly, what is the alternative? This is why Shanti Treks is committed to inspiring a more conscious way of traveling.
After years of frequently flying short distances, I have made a personal shift. I no longer take flights within Europe and aim to limit long-distance travel by air as much as possible. I have no car and travel to all European tours using public transport. To encourage the same from my guests, those who choose the train over flights receive a discount on their trip with Shanti Treks. When flying cannot be avoided, I estimate the CO₂ impact of the journey and use part of the business's profits to offset that damage.
I have also chosen not to offer luggage transport by vehicle on any of my tours. Mountain roads, especially in the Alps, are already overcrowded, and luggage transfers only add to the problem. My tours are designed with different fitness levels in mind, so everyone can find a suitable challenge without needing extra support. Besides, the charm of Shanti Treks lies in its simplicity. Carrying less means worrying less, and that brings a unique sense of freedom that many hikers come to treasure.
